RF Engineer

M.M.A. Design LLC•Broomfield, CO

7h•$160,000 - $200,000

About The Position

We are seeking a talented Space RF Engineer to design, develop, and test radio frequency (RF) systems for space-based applications, including materials selection for non-deployable and deployable antenna systems including phased arrays, parabolic and active/passive membrane-based solutions. This role supports the full lifecycle of RF hardware, from concept and prototyping through production and validation testing, to enable reliable communications and sensing missions in demanding space environments.

Requirements

Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field
10+ years of experience in RF design, analysis, or testing (space or related industry preferred)
Strong understanding of RF fundamentals: transmission lines, impedance matching, S-parameters, noise, and signal integrity
Experience with RF and EE simulation and design tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, ADS, Altium, or similar)
Hands-on experience with RF and EE test equipment (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, etc)
Familiarity with communication systems and link budget analysis
Ability to troubleshoot complex RF systems
Experience designing RF systems for space or aerospace applications
Knowledge of satellite communications, GNSS, sensing or radar systems
Familiarity with radiation effects and space environment considerations
Experience with antenna design and integration, including concept and proposal development
Understanding of EMI/EMC requirements and mitigation techniques
Hands-on engineering attitude with attention to detail and quality
Experience working in a production or high-reliability environment
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Attention to detail in high-reliability designs
Ability to collaborate closely in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
Clear communication and documentation skills

Nice To Haves

Prior experience leading space antenna programs in a defense or aerospace environment.
Strong collaboration and communication skills.
Focus on delivering exceptional quality
Technical passion and determination
Natural leadership

Responsibilities

Lead the definition of RF solutions in support of advanced antenna arrays for space applications.
Own the antenna system from concept to design for manufacture, qualification, testing and flight readiness.
Translate mission and system requirements into robust antenna design solutions.
Apply critical thinking to challenge assumptions and drive optimal, physics-based solutions.
Maintain a pragmatic and goal-oriented mindset, balancing performance, cost, schedule, risk, and manufacturability.
Design and develop high-performance RF systems and subsystems for spacecraft, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, and RF front ends (e.g., phased arrays, reflectarrays, patch arrays, deployable architectures).
Work in tight coordination with mechanical engineering to ensure seamless RF integration and optimized system performance.
Perform RF analysis, modeling, and simulation (link budgets, noise figure, gain, interference, etc.)
Support system architecture development for communications, telemetry, tracking, and payload applications
Conduct component selection, schematic design, and layout guidance for RF circuits
Select and qualify materials considering: EEE parts standards, Radiation tolerance, Thermal cycling, Outgassing (ECSS/NASA compliance), Vacuum compatibility
Oversee prototype development, including PCB-based RF structures, waveguide assemblies, and hybrid solutions
Interface with suppliers and manufacturing partners
Drive iterative prototyping cycles with a practical, solution-oriented approach
Develop test plans and execute testing for RF performance, including range testing, lab, environmental, and other system-level testing
Analyze test data and troubleshoot RF performance issues
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems, mechanical, firmware, and manufacturing) to integrate RF hardware into spacecraft platforms
Support environmental qualification (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC) for spaceflight hardware
Contribute to documentation including design reviews, test reports, and production packages
Assist in transitioning designs from prototype to scalable production